The topic of this discussion event is artistic Realism – not as a term that defines a technique of copying reality but as a method of critical intervention into the production of that reality. Taking into consideration its complex history, present definitions of realism will be discussed in the context of their political development. What does it mean to define realism as a critical stance toward artistic production today? Which methods might enable the construction of realist views on the changeability of our present?This round table discussion is organized as part of the project “Trompe-l’œil Polizei” by the Realism Working Group // Free Class Frankfurt/M. The group produced a bi-lingual newspaper (German/English) that is dedicated to the topic of realism, as well as the significance of collaborative strategies. It comprises interviews with “Chto delat?” and Claire Fontaine, an article by Johannes Raether and Kerstin Stakemeier as well as texts and images by the members of the Realism Working Group. This newspaper is available in the “10 Reasons to be a Member” space at the Frankfurter Kunstverein for free distribution and online at: http://realismworkinggroup.wordpress.com.Furthermore, the project includes a film program at Frankfurter Kunstverein and a series of workshops at HfBK Städelschule.

For further information on this and other projects of the Free Class Frankfurt/M visit: http://freeclassfrankfurt.wordpress.com

This talk is a cooperation between Frankfurter Kunstverein and Städelschule.